Bikers ride 100 miles

The Wild Rivers Coast Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) held its first organized 100-mile ride on Saturday to raise awareness of child abuse in the county; in the process, they raised more than $2,000 to help victims of child abuse.

In the morning rain with peeks of sunshine, more than 23 bikers traveled from Brookings to Klamath and returned to the Lucky 7 Casino in Smith River, where the casino donated $250 to the group and invited them back for future events.

The bikers, most of whom are known only by nicknames, came from Grants Pass, Coos Bay, Crescent City, Medford and Brookings to participate in the ride to let people in the area know about BACA.

Each rider was asked to gather pledges to help raise money to support the children the organization helps. A poker run was held at the casino also and raised an additional $110 for the cause.

The money goes to children who have been abused and need therapy, summer camps, martial arts lessons or anything else that helps them get back to living a normal childhood.

“The 100 mile ride is not designed to raise money, it’s about awareness,” said “Tattoo,” chapter president. “It is to bring about child abuse awareness in the area and to empower the children to not be afraid of the world in which they live.”

The chapter is very appreciative to Brookings police and fire departments, California Highway Patrol and Crescent City Police Department for blocking the lights and leading the way through city traffic.

The Wild Rivers Coast Chapter is thankful also for a $10,000 donation last week, from the John T. Atkins Foundation.

“It’s about helping the kids,” Tattoo said recently. “I have kids, I have grandchildren and I don’t understand how people can hurt kids and I know that I can do something about it.”